Decorative and Industrial Arts

1. Illinois...

Illinois Amish Quilts

Until recently most of the Amish quilts made in Illinois had remained with the quiltmakers’ families. The efforts of Dave Pottinger and Steve Evans have brought together in one collection over 150 Illinois Amish quilts dating from the mid 1800s to the mid 1900s. Most were purchased directly from the quiltmakers or their families.

Dave Pottinger approached the Illinois State Museum about purchasing the Illinois Amish quilts with the hope that this well-documented collection could remain intact. The importance of the collection was immediately recognized by the Museum, but the acquisition would require a major fund-raising effort.

Fortunately, Illinois Power came forward with a pledge to fund about half the cost of the collection. With the help of Illinois's First Lady Lura Lynn Ryan, public, private, corporate, and grassroots donations were raised to acquire the collection. The Museum is still seeking quilt sponsors to fund ongoing conservation of the collection.